El Paso Matters – Q&A: City Council District 7 candidates in Dec. 14 runoff election

Who’s running for this seat?

Candidate Questionnaires

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.

What is your vision for the city of El Paso for the next 10 years and what needs to be done to get there?

Chris Hernandez: My vision for El Paso is to create a safer, more vibrant city where families, businesses and local communities thrive. To achieve this, we need to invest in public safety, create jobs by attracting diverse industries, and revitalize neighborhoods while preserving our unique culture. With a focus on smart development, responsible fiscal policies, and strengthening partnerships, we can ensure El Paso grows sustainably and equitably for all residents.

Lily Limón: I envision a city that continues to be one of the safest cities in the US due to our continued focus of providing the necessary resources to accomplish the job. Our taxes will be more reasonable for all citizens and we will have safe, well maintained streets. To get there we need a city council that will focus on these issues. These are our priorities and we must always keep them at the forefront. Idle spending on projects that don’t help us reach these goals must be carefully reviewed. 

The city of El Paso since 2004 has had a council-manager form of government, limiting the mayor’s power. In the past year, the city manager’s authority over auditing and other functions has been removed. How do you balance power between elected city officials and the city manager?

Chris Hernandez: The City Council and mayor, as elected officials, should be responsible for setting policy and long-term vision, with the city manager focused on executing those policies and managing daily operations. Elected officials are accountable to the public and must guide the city’s direction. By clearly defining these roles, we ensure that the will of the people is reflected while benefiting from the manager’s professional expertise in administration.

Lily Limón: The balance between elected officials and the city manager lies in how her contract is drafted. It is unfortunate that a previous administration gave the city manager immense power along with a very lucrative contract. That was a very clear shift in power. Open communication is the most powerful tool and both parties need to use it to the fullest in order to have a good balance of power. 

The November ballot asks voters whether to revoke the Downtown arena bond. Do we need such a venue? Please explain.

Chris Hernandez: While I support venues like the ballpark, museums and water parks, this arena doesn’t seem worth the investment. I would love to see El Paso become a tourist destination, but I don’t think this arena is the answer. We need to ensure it’s something El Pasoans can be excited about and proud to bring their friends and family to. Since it’s been 12 years since we last asked voters, I am happy to see it back on the ballot to gauge community interest on this particular idea of a venue.

Lily Limón: The Downtown arena was doomed since the beginning. I was on council when the site was selected. When Duranguito was selected I knew that we would have problems with the displacement of residents. The original plan for construction simply did not have enough funds to build. Just like every major project, none were funded properly. At this point in time, I do not believe the venue is needed if it must be in the downtown footprint.

The city has long struggled with how to prioritize and fund street repairs. How would you address this challenge and pay for it?

Chris Hernandez: Voters have heard every politician promise to fix streets, but nothing seems to change. That’s why I was proud to lead the 2022 Community Progress Bond efforts as campaign director, securing voter support for street funding. But we need to do better. Potholes reappear after rain, showing we aren’t using the right materials. If elected, I’ll ensure oversight of Prop A funds and push for recycled concrete and plastics being integrated into the mix to make roads last longer, saving taxpayers money.

Lily Limón: Streets, streets and streets are concerns voiced by residents in District 7. I hear complaints about the quality of the asphalt, pot holes and the lack of stripping. I believe that our streets are the most important part of our quality of life. Funding must be expanded after a careful review of the quality of materials used by the streets department. We need to tighten our belts and deliver quality streets which are used by all citizens. 

What is the top priority specific to your district and how would you address it?

Chris Hernandez: As I speak to voters at their doors every day, the top concerns are taxes and streets, and I want to be clear—that’s my priority. District 7 is especially diverse. From the Eastwood High area by Montwood, where there are concerns about integrating commercial development with neighborhoods, to the historic Lower Valley by Speaking Rock, which needs revitalization, I’ll ensure these distinct areas get the focused attention they deserve.

Lily Limón: I hear about two top concerns. Tax Relief and Improved Streets. These two come up in every discussion with residents. Taxes are impacted by the extreme increase in property values. A full review must be done to pinpoint exactly how property values are assigned. There appears to be a very unbalanced way of assessing the value of properties. And streets were addressed above.